We've already re-transcribed passenger manifests of about 1,300 Molise emigrants into the USA.  The project is our response to frustration with online searches that had recorded, for example, Lucia Tavone of Bonefro as "Sucia Caoone" of "Camb Cernzo," and totally overlooked other passengers. 

The original transcribers did a great job--it's tedious and difficult to read the handwriting and accurately record the names.  But in transcriptions, it helps to be familiar with the names and spellings.  Also, we found damaged documents that could not be transcribed,  unreadable handwriting, names transcribed properly but listed incorrectly on the manifest (e.g., married vs. maiden names.) Nevertheless, we were able to improve on what was available.  Now it's become an ever-growing project, and we've already used the new data to help.  Read Susie's story.

ECHO Molise had planned an Immigrant Photo Exhibition for Summer 2009 as a Community Project (aside from our main programs).  However, that did not leave enough time to collect family photos from our clients, and the project was delayed. 

We now have sufficient photos and to develop a series of exhibitions--beginning with "turn of the century" immigration and the Ellis Island experience.  We will follow-on with a Canadian / Post-war exhibit.

It's not too late to send those beautiful old photos of your ancestors with glimpses into their daily lives, to tell their story.  We hope to display the exhibit on our website and in various towns around the Molise, bringing your ancestors "home again."  Then, the exhibit will be loaned to Italian-American and other interested societies in North America.  Read more about the Immigrant Photo Project and How You Can Help 

Other Future Projects depend on our readers' interest and  support, and as always, grants and funding.  

Project ideas include:

Assist LDS Online Indexing

Sponsor Molise Tour, Conference

Digitize Oral History

Encourage Cultural / Economic Student Exchange

Please contact us, tell us your interests, suggest additional projects, get more information or offer help.

Heritage

• Be a translator
• Be an initial contact with family
• Have pictures of a heritage visit we can post on the website?
• Recommend someone to volunteer
• Write an article about some of your intangible cultural heritage experiences.

Gli Immigranti

• Send family photos, stories for the Immigrant Photo Project
• Write and submit an "echo"--an article or letter describing life as an immigrant or child of one, life in a "little Italy," or maybe life without knowing your Italian heritage.  Or, what you learned about your heritage, your impressions of the "old country" as you were growing up, the oral history and legends.

Professional and Technical

• Link to our website from yours
• Translate/set up Italian website

How You Can Help FAQs